Acer K11 DLP Projector - Review Summary

Posted on September 28, 2013 by Art Feierman

A summary of the Acer K11 and a list of this Acer projector's pros and cons.

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Acer K11 Projector: Bottom Line

The Acer K11 straddles the line between mini and pico projectors. It has a sharp image across the screen with all resolutions and very good color rendition in the brightest picture mode, which at over 200 lumens is well above much of the competition. It also does all of this at a very reasonable price. Initial setup may take more time than normal sized multimedia projectors with zoom lenses, but that’s to be expected in any mini or pico projector. Fortunately, the K11’s quality keystone correction and installation pattern help to shorten setup time. In addition, the number of picture modes (seven, a large number for any projector, much less one this small) and advanced menu adjustments available allow the user to tailor the K11’s color palette to their taste.

If compact size is a primary concern, the K11 has no dimension over 6 inches and barely weighs over a pound. However, there is no battery-powered option and the power supply is a brick that weighs as much as the projector.

Overall, the K11 should be seriously considered for anyone looking for a bright, low priced, mini projector. If the lack of a battery option is not an issue, the K11 provides much greater lumen output than any pico projector, including the similarly priced Optoma Pico PK301 (reviewed in last year’s pico projector report) while providing more connection options and excellent color. On the other hand, if a 200 lumen output is not enough, there are slightly larger projectors available that will put out 10 times the lumens of the K11, albeit at a much higher price. Overall, the Acer K11 combines a low price with a long-life LED light source that provides an excellent picture. With that combination, you can’t go wrong purchasing the Acer K11.

Acer K11 Projector: Pros, Cons

Acer K11 Projector: Pros

200 lumen output higher than much of the competition
30,000 hour light source life
Very good image with native resolution or higher and good color accuracy, especially in the brightest mode
Large number of picture modes and adjustments for a pico projector
No dust filter to keep clean
Works with iPhone and iPod (requires optional adapter)
Can present from SD card or USB drive

Acer K11 Projector: Cons

Lack of zooming ability and minimal height adjustment ability makes for slow setup
No battery powered option
No audio output jack

Acer K11: 12 Questions Answered

What is the native resolution and what is the max resolution?
The native resolution is 858 x 600, but resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 are supported
Largest image you can project and how far do you have to be to achieve it?
80” diagonal from 11.15 feet
What light source technology does the projector use?
LED rated at 30,000 hours
What is the native aspect ratio and does it support other aspect ratios?
4:3, but 16:9 is also supported
What is the throw ratio?
2.04:1 - that is screen distance is approximately 2x screen width
Does it have a full featured control panel on the projector?
Yes, although there are more control shortcuts on the remote
What inputs/outputs does the projector have?
HDMI, VGA, SD card, USB drive and one input for an AV signal uses a mini jack with video and L and R audio via an adapter cable that has yellow, red, white male RCA plugs
Is it compatible with smartphones? Which ones?
Yes, iPhone with optional cable
What files types can be used for a presentation. Document?
Any image file can be used with the USB or SD card input. Documents would have to be saved as images for such a presentation.
Will it accept HD video sources
Yes, via HDMI and VGA.
What cables does the projector come with, WHAT might I need?
It comes with the aforementioned composite video and stereo audio adapter, as well as a VGA cable and a 3.5 mm AV cable. iPhone and iPod adapter and USB charger is optional.
Is an external battery available as an option?
No